Composite binding materials

Abstract

A metal composite including an oxidized base metal and a fibrous composite material coupled by a self-assembled monolayer and adhesive is described. Additionally, a method of constructing a metal composite is described, wherein the method includes oxidizing a metal, depositing a self-assembled monolayer, and adhering a fibrous composite to the monolayer.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for binding a metal composite, comprising
 stripping contaminants from the metal; 
 washing the decontaminated metal; 
 oxidizing the decontaminated metal; 
 stabilizing the oxidized metal; 
 depositing a self-assembled monolayer on the oxidized metal; 
 applying an adhesive to the self-assembled monolayer; and 
 bonding a material to the adhesive to form a metal composite. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein stripping contaminants comprises sonicating the metal in contact with at least one solvent. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1 , wherein washing the decontaminated metal comprises flushing the surface of the metal with a surfactant. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 3 , wherein the surfactant comprises ultra-pure water. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1 , wherein oxidizing the decontaminated metal comprises treating the decontaminated metal with acid. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 5 , wherein the acid comprises at least one acid chosen from the group consisting of citric acid, acetic acid, sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 5 , wherein the acid comprises a concentration of at least 20 wt %. 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 5 , further comprising heating the metal and the acid to a temperature of at least 80° C. 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 1 , wherein stabilizing the oxidized metal comprises removing the acid and maintaining the oxidized metal in a substantially water free environment. 
     
     
       10. The method of  claim 1 , wherein depositing a self-assembled monolayer on the oxidized metal comprises coating a monolayer precursor on the oxidized metal. 
     
     
       11. The method of  claim 10 , further comprising maintaining conditions such that the precursor self-assembles into a monolayer. 
     
     
       12. The method of  claim 10 , wherein the monolayer precursor comprises a silane. 
     
     
       13. The method of  claim 1 , wherein applying an adhesive comprises choosing an adhesive that will covalently bond to the self-assembled monolayer. 
     
     
       14. The method of  claim 1 , wherein bonding a material to the adhesive further comprises bonding a fibrous composite to the adhesive. 
     
     
       15. The method of  claim 1 , wherein a fibrous composite comprises at least one chosen from the group of fiber-reinforced composites consisting of fiberglass, carbon fiber, and aramid fiber composites.